Helena Kennedy Foundation HE Bursary

Helena Kennedy Foundation HE Bursary

You get up to about EUR 2,600 (up to £2,250) towards your living costs while you move from college into your first university degree. The money is paid during your studies, sometimes as one lump sum and sometimes in instalments (for example three payments of £500). You also get mentoring (regular one-to-one guidance from an experienced adviser), careers advice, help arranging work-shadowing or a placement, and a network of contacts throughout your degree. The award comes from the Helena Kennedy Foundation, a UK charity that helps disadvantaged college students get to university.

Who can apply

• Where you study now: You are in your final year at a publicly funded UK further education or sixth form college, on an Access, A-level, BTEC, Scottish Highers or T-level course.
• What comes next: You plan to start your first undergraduate degree (such as an HND, BA, BSc or BEd) at a UK university in the autumn. A gap year is fine.
• First degree only: You have not started or finished any higher education course before.
• Status: You are a UK citizen, a refugee or an asylum seeker.
• Financial need: You can show serious money problems that make moving into university difficult.
• Personal barriers: You have faced real challenges, for example caring for a family member or overcoming difficult circumstances.

How to apply

Apply through the online form on the foundation's website, using a personal email address. You need a reference from a tutor. The deadline for the 2026 round is 30 June 2026 at 16:00. Selection is based on your academic performance and your financial need. The foundation contacts you directly with the result.